By Madison Keiger

Last week, a female UGA student was attacked from behind while walking on the Greenway. Last night, a woman was reportedly punched by a male while on Clayton Street in downtown Athens. These incidents remind us to always be aware of our surroundings. S.A.F.E., A Women’s Self Defense Program promotes this message, while also teaching women to “resist, escape, and defend” themselves from an attacker.

Randy McElwee, founder, director and chief instructor of S.A.F.E., said their key focus is to make sure women know how to protect themselves physically. This means not depending on other means such as pepper spray.

“If you know self-defense techniques, you will always have the skills you need with you,” said McElwee

The videos below demonstrate some basic self-defense moves, performed by McElwee and Erika Cooper, the S.A.F.E. program coordinator.